’Dogs cage Tigers

September 20, 2013

WOLFHURST - Bridgeport's volleyball team has had some up-and-down moments this season.

Thursday evening's match, against Shadyside, inside the John J. Havlicek Gymnasium was certainly one of the up moments.

Coach Ron Kelly's squad improved to 6-5 on the season by virtue of a three-game sweep, 25-7, 25-15 and 25-11, against the Lady Tigers.

Article Photos

BRIDGEPORT’S Briana Massey (20) and Cheyenne Flowers (2) go up for a block of a return shot by Shadyside’s Kenzie Fielding during their match Thursday evening at Bridgeport High School. The Lady Bulldogs swept Shadyside in three games.

"We played pretty well today, but we kind of struggled a little bit the other day and that's kind of how it's been for us," Kelly said. "We just need to be more consistent, but we're coming along."

Bridgeport was never threatened in the first and third game, but Shadyside inched within a five at a juncture of the second game before the Lady Bulldogs turned on the gas en route to the 2-0 lead.

One of the chief issues that's bothered Shadyside much of the season is getting out of one rotation. Senior Maclaine Murad provided the spark for Bridgeport.

She had a team-high 30 points, including 13 aces.

"Murad put on a serving exhibition," said Shadyside head coach Joel Joseph. "For whatever reason, we couldn't return her serve. It's tough because, for us, we played well and we still lost in three straight. There aren't many schools who can lose three straight (games) and still be happy with how they played."

Bridgeport also received solid production from senior Cheyenne Flowers. She had four points, four digs and five kills. Vanessa Stanton had seven digs. Mikaya Green had 16 assists and six points.

Amber Millard was strong at the net for the Lady Bulldogs. She had six points, two digs and five kills.

Junior Briana Massey donated five points, two aces, two kills and two blocks.

"We talked about being ready for anything that came over on the first serve and I thought we did a nice job of that," Kelly said. "Volleyball is a game of momentum and we had it most of the match. I thought we played well."

Shadyside was led by Kenzie Fielding and Sam Rosser. Each had four points and two aces. Emily Baughn had two aces and Angelina McKeever also had two points.

"At times, this was good volleyball for us," Joseph said. "At other times, we got into one bad serve and receive rotation, gave up six or seven (points) in a row and it totally kills any momentum we had up until that point. But, we were in volleyball spots tonight, and I think the girls are starting to understand that if they're in the spots where they're supposed to be, they can be successful."